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Dementia

People aged between 91 and 101 have better mental health than many of their younger relatives, it has been found. A new study carried out by the University of Rome and University of California San Diego (UCSD) discovered that very old people experienced a greater sense of wellbeing than those aged between 51 and 75.
Some 29 people aged between 91 and 101 living across nine villages in Cilento in...

Wearing dentures can lead to a number of health conditions, according to new research. Scientists at King’s College London have found that over-50s with 20 or fewer of their own teeth are at a much greater risk of musculoskeletal frailty than their peers.
Weak joints and muscles were seen in many denture wearers during the study and the researchers believe it’s due to an avoidance of certain...

Over-55s are being encouraged to have hearing tests after a group of scientists discovered there may be a link between hearing loss and dementia. Further studies are being undertaken with the view to discern whether or not wearing a hearing aid could slow down the condition or prevent it altogether.
Dr David Reynolds of the Alzheimer’s Research UK charity was part of the research team. He told...

Annual campaigns encourage the elderly to get the flu jab before the winter sets in, but there’s another segment of the population that should also be vaccinated to help protect the over-65s. Children have been described as ‘super spreaders’ by NHS bosses, which could pose a risk for their grandparents.
As Christmas draws near, the NHS is recommending children take advantage of a free nasal spray...

Relatives are being warned against giving bottles of alcohol to the over-55s this Christmas, as it has been found that excessive drinking is becoming a problem in the elderly. Health campaigners are recommending gifting ‘their company’ instead.
Those aged between 55 and 64 are now drinking more than any other group in England and Scotland, according to the Calling Time report. It was put together...

Research into dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is getting a significant injection of cash after Bill Gates pledged $100 million (£75 million) of his own money to the cause. The co-founder of Microsoft will split the funding between two pathways to help find a cure for the neurological conditions.
The first $50 million will go to the Dementia Discovery Fund, which works with experts both in the...

Cases of Parkinson’s disease have more than doubled in the last 25 years and show no signs of abating. This makes it the fastest growing neurological disorder, putting it ahead of dementia and a serious concern for the elderly.
At present, there are 6.9 million people across the planet who suffer with the disease, but by 2040, the figure is expected to reach 14.2 million. This is partly down to...

The medicalisation of the elderly is at an all-time high, with half of all over-65s in the UK taking at least five drugs every day. A study carried out by Cambridge University found that the number of pensioners taking this many pills has quadrupled in two decades.
Of the nine million pensioners in the country, around 4.5 million or 49 per cent are on a minimum of five drugs a day. This is up...

When it comes to exercise, it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing approach, especially in later life. A new study from Harvard University has found that over-70s who undertake one brisk walk a week can slash their chances of an early death by 70 per cent.
The key to the findings, however, is the higher intensity of the activity, as simply walking the dog, window shopping or doing housework...

Much is made about children being obese in modern day Britain, but the problem extends to the other end of the spectrum too. According to experts, elderly people are not getting enough exercise and a national activity service is what’s needed.
The UK Active organisation has said that professionals who interact with the over-65s could be trained to help them move more. This could include those who...